St Gallen vs Benfica predictions take centre stage in the Europa League second qualifying round as the Swiss side host the Portuguese giants at Kybunpark on Thursday night.
St Gallen enjoyed a memorable 2025-26 campaign, finishing runners up in the Swiss Super League and lifting the Swiss Cup. Benfica, meanwhile, arrive under new head coach Marco Silva after completing an unbeaten Primeira Liga season, although they still finished third.
The visitors boast far greater European experience and look well placed to take a first-leg lead back to Lisbon, despite several key players remaining unavailable following the World Cup.
St Gallen vs Benfica predictions & betting tips
| Our prediction | Odds & bookmaker | Confidence | Why we’re backing it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benfica to win | 7/20 (bet365)* | ⭐⭐⭐ | Benfica remain the strongest side in this tie despite several key absentees. Marco Silva has inherited a squad that went unbeaten in the Primeira Liga last season, while players such as Vangelis Pavlidis, Nicolas Otamendi and Anatoliy Trubin give the visitors far more experience at this level. St Gallen impressed domestically but suffered defeats to Lyon and Norwich in pre season, highlighting the step up in quality they now face. |
| Vangelis Pavlidis anytime goalscorer | 4/5 (betMGM) | ⭐⭐ | Pavlidis enjoyed another outstanding campaign last season, scoring 30 goals in all competitions. With Benfica expected to dominate possession and create the better chances, the Greece international looks the most likely player to find the net if the visitors control proceedings. |
*Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
How both teams head into St Gallen vs Benfica
St Gallen
St Gallen exceeded expectations throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Maassen guided his side to second place in the Swiss Super League before capping the season by lifting the Swiss Cup, securing the club’s first major trophy in more than half a century.
The Swiss side built their success around an energetic, attacking style. They scored 72 league goals, with Aliou Balde, Alessandro Vogt and Carlo Boukhalfa all making important contributions in the final third. Lukas Gortler again proved influential in midfield, providing leadership and creativity throughout the campaign.
Preparation for the new season has produced mixed results. St Gallen won their opening three friendlies before tougher tests exposed defensive vulnerabilities. A 6-3 defeat against Lyon was followed by a 3-0 loss to Norwich City, giving Maassen plenty to think about before welcoming Benfica.
Although they remain difficult to beat at Kybunpark, Thursday represents a significant rise in class against one of Europe’s most experienced clubs.
- Bet £10 get £30
- Excellent Football Betting Options
- Extensive Bet-Builder
- Multi-Award Winning Bookmaker
New customers can sign up using bonus code SQUAWKA365, bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration Required. This code is for marketing and tracking purposes only. #Ad.
Benfica
Benfica head into the new campaign with optimism after appointing Marco Silva as head coach following Jose Mourinho’s departure to Real Madrid. Silva inherits a squad that went unbeaten in the Primeira Liga last season, although 11 draws meant the Eagles finished third behind Porto and Sporting CP.
Vangelis Pavlidis enjoyed another prolific campaign, scoring 30 goals in all competitions to establish himself as Benfica’s main attacking threat. Richard Rios also impressed from midfield, while Nicolas Otamendi and Antonio Silva helped Benfica concede just 25 league goals, the fewest in Portugal’s top flight.
The Portuguese giants have already stepped up their preparations for the new season. A 2-1 defeat to Flamengo was followed by an encouraging 2-0 victory over Villarreal, giving Silva an early opportunity to assess his squad before competitive action begins.
Although Benfica are still managing the return of several players following the World Cup, they remain one of the strongest teams left in Europa League qualifying and will expect to progress over two legs.
St Gallen team news
Enrico Maassen is expected to remain without long-term absentee Behar Neziri, who continues his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Nino Weibel also faces a race to be fit after missing recent pre-season fixtures.
Benfica team news
Marco Silva must cope without several first-team players following the World Cup. Fredrik Aursnes, Richard Rios, Andreas Schjelderup and Dodi Lukebakio have all received extended leave and are not expected to feature.
Despite those absences, Silva still has plenty of quality at his disposal. Anatoliy Trubin should start in goal, with Nicolas Otamendi partnering either Antonio Silva or Tomas Araujo in central defence.
Head-to-head
This will be the first competitive meeting between St Gallen and Benfica.
St Gallen have limited experience at this level, although they have enjoyed memorable European nights in the past. Their most famous continental result remains the victory over Chelsea in the 2000-01 Uefa Cup, while last season’s Swiss Cup success secured another opportunity to test themselves against Europe’s elite.
Benfica are regular participants in European competition and reached the Champions League knockout phase last season. Their experience across both domestic and continental football makes them clear favourites to progress from this tie.
Which side will come out on top at the Kybunpark?
Silva’s side possess greater quality throughout the pitch and should still have enough to control possession and create the better chances.
St Gallen impressed throughout last season and will relish the occasion in front of their own supporters. However, recent defeats to Lyon and Norwich highlighted the challenge of facing stronger opposition, and Benfica represent another significant step up.
Backing Benfica to win looks the standout play, while Pavlidis appeals in the anytime goalscorer market after another prolific season. If the visitors perform close to their domestic level from last season, they should leave Switzerland with a valuable advantage ahead of the return leg in Lisbon.